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Trunk Task-oriented Training Combined With Functional Electrical Stimulation in Spinal Cord Injured Individuals

Not Applicable
Conditions
Spinal Cord Injuries
Interventions
Other: Trunk-oriented task training combined with functional electrical stimulation
Other: Trunk-oriented task training alone
Registration Number
NCT05196204
Lead Sponsor
Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal
Brief Summary

The objectives of the study are to evaluate trunk task-oriented training combined with function electrical stimulation (FES/T-TOT) efficacy on sitting balance and functional independence, and to understand the mechanisms of neuroplasticity that would improve functional independence following FES/T-TOT in individuals with spinal cord injury.

Detailed Description

After obtaining their consent, participants will undertake evaluations at different times:

1. Assessment 3 weeks prior to training

2. Assessment 1 week prior to training

3. Training over 12 weeks

4. Assessment 1 week after training

5. Assessment 1 month after training (follow-up)

Each assessment will be divided in 2 sessions and data will be collected over 2 days, at one session per day. The assessment will consist of:

* Session 1 (at Neuro-Concept clinic) will include presentation of the study and the obtention of written consent, clinical (modified Reaching test and muscle strength), quality of life and functional independence assessments.

* Session 2 (at IURDPM in Dr. Barthélemy's laboratory) will include postural control, corticospinal and cortical assessments.

After the initial assessment, the participants with spinal cord injury will realize 36 sessions of trunk task-oriented training alone or combined with function electrical stimulation (3 times a week for 12 weeks).

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
45
Inclusion Criteria
  • Level of spinal cord lesion between C6/C7 and T10
  • At least, 6 months post-injury
  • Be considered as AIS A, B, C or D
  • Be able to sit without support for 15 seconds
  • Be able to provide informed consent in English or in French
Exclusion Criteria
  • To have cognitive deficits
  • To wear a corset
  • To have personal or family history of epilepsy
  • To have suffered moderate or severe traumatic brain injury
  • To have cochlear implant

FOR CONTROL PARTICIPANTS

Exclusion Criteria:

  • To have orthopedics problems
  • To have cognitive deficits
  • To have neurological problems

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Trunk-oriented task combined with functional electrical stimulation training groupTrunk-oriented task training combined with functional electrical stimulationThis group will be formed with participants with spinal cord injury. This group will perform 12 weeks of trunk-oriented task training combined with functional electrical stimulation.
Trunk-oriented task training groupTrunk-oriented task training aloneThis group will be formed with participants with spinal cord injury. This group will perform 12 weeks of trunk-oriented task training.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in Function in Sitting TestBefore and after the 12-week trainings and 1-month follow-up

This test evaluates the sitting balance via 14 everyday functional activities rated from 0 to 4 according to the reactions of the participants.

Change in modified Functional Reach TestBefore and after the 12-week trainings and every 4-weeks during the training period

This test evaluates the ability for each participant to realize a lateral and anterior trunk flexion in order to observe the maximum distance reached.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Modification of the excitability of the reticulospinal pathway using the acoustic startle responseBefore and after the 12-week trainings and 1-month follow-up

A tone will be triggered just before the reaching movement. The EMG responses of trunk muscles will be analyzed.

Change in EMG activation pattern of electromyographic activity of muscles in the trunkBefore and after the 12-week trainings and 1-month follow-up

during reaching and pointing tasks

Change in the center of pressure excursionBefore and after the 12-week trainings and 1-month follow-up

during reaching and pointing tasks

Modification of the excitability of the vestibulospinal pathway using galvanic vestibular stimulationBefore and after the 12-week trainings and 1-month follow-up

Vestibular responses induced by GVS will be identified in the trunk muscles

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Neuro-Concept Inc

🇨🇦

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Neuromobility lab

🇨🇦

Montréal, Quebec, Canada

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